Momentum

Knowing the signs of crisis

A mental health “crisis” is generally a dramatic change in behavior that 

prevents someone from functioning as usual, or they express that they 

may harm themselves or others. Signs of a crisis can include:

• Difficulty functioning, such as 

trouble getting out of bed, going 

to work or doing daily tasks

• An unwillingness or inability 

to take care of one’s personal 

hygiene

• Intense or sudden changes in 

mood

• Psychosis such as hallucinations 

or delusions

• Sudden paranoia

• Feeling increasingly agitated, 

angry or violent

• Having suicidal thoughts or 

making plans

• Harming oneself or heavily selfmedicating with drugs or alcohol

• Isolating or withdrawing from 

others

If you observe such alarming behaviors in someone, it’s important to 

engage that person in discussion about their condition and help arrange 

immediate assistance for them. See the Mind Your Mental Health article on 

page two for specific steps you can take to help keep someone safe.

Identity theft resolution

Identity theft can cause serious financial and legal problems for you. 

Through your program, you have access to Identity Theft Resolution 

services to save you time and money. You’re eligible for one free 

60-minute consultation with a Fraud Resolution SpecialistTM who will 

provide you with an ID Theft Emergency Response Kit and assist with 

actions like notifying credit reporting agencies and initiating fraud alerts.

Live Webinar—Join us on 

Wednesday, September 14 to 

learn about a vital topic, Suicide 

Risk: Awareness and Prevention. 

Register here.

SEPTEMBER 2022

Contact your program

24/7/365

for confidential, no-cost help for 

you and your household members.

Employee Assistance Program

1-866-580-9046 (TTY 711)

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Mind Your Mental Health

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Understanding the issues around suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention. 

Helping others who may be in crisis can make a difference and save lives.

• Research shows that people having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring, nonjudgmental way. It’s important to ask, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”

• Reduce a suicidal person’s access to lethal items. While it’s not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan, and 

removing firearms or medications, will help.

• Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 via call or text and/or make a connection with a trusted person 

like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor or mental health professional.

• Keeping in touch with the at-risk person after a crisis or discharge from treatment can help reduce that person’s risk.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental 

health resources.

Working on Wellbeing

How to manage chronic pain

• Chronic pain is discomfort that lasts three months 

or more. It’s important that your medical team 

diagnoses the pain’s cause(s). The best treatment 

plans use a variety of strategies including 

medications, lifestyle changes and therapies.

• Your doctor may prescribe medications such 

as corticosteroids, muscle relaxers, NSAIDs, 

acetaminophen, medical marijuana (depending 

on local laws), nerve blocks/stimulation, or antiinflammatory medication injections. Be sure to get 

regular exercise, adequate sleep and eat healthy 

foods. Join a support group for chronic pain.

Managing Work-Life Flow

Self-care strategies

Self-care is anything you do that helps you stay 

physically, mentally and emotionally well. Choose 

activities that will replenish your energy and restore your 

balance. 

Start small by adding a relaxation activity to your daily 

routine (e.g., meditation, muscle relaxation or deep 

breathing), journaling, a new relaxing hobby or 30 

minutes of exercise—such as walking. 

Add new self-care practices when ready. Be sure to eat 

healthy, regular meals, stay hydrated and get adequate 

sleep.

Money Matters

September 2022 financial webinars

Planning for College 101

September 13th. Register here: 9 am PT | 12 pm PT

With college costs continuing to rise, it’s imperative to 

plan for funding your college savings goals. Examine 

different types of college savings accounts and the 

financial aid process.

Student Loan Repayment Strategies

September 22th. Register here: 9 am PT | 12 pm PT

Learn about student loan repayment options. Review 

repayment options for federal and private loans, 

including how to reduce monthly payments or pay off 

loans faster.